Sotto Enoteca & Trattoria

Header Image Credit: Tina Leahy

Perhaps not the usual restaurant review you’d find on the pages of the Luxury Editor, there aren’t any Michelin stars, awards or internationally acclaimed chefs (yet!) however impeccable attention to detail, exceptional customer service, delicious food and an ambitious team with a genuine passion for hospitality are all qualities (set to the highest standard) in Sotto, one of Edinburgh’s latest neighbourhood restaurants.

Plus, it’s right on my doorstep so that is a luxury of convenience for me. Read on to learn about our mid-week dining experience at the stylish Enoteca and Trattoria.

Setting the Scene

Located in an A-listed building in the heart of Edinburgh’s trendy Stockbridge sits Sotto, its namesake comes from the Italian word meaning ‘under’ which is reflective of the two-storey space the wine bar and restaurant covers and the hidden wine cellar where its extensive collection of curated Italian wines will be housed. 

We receive a warm welcome by one of the trendy apron-wearing team and immediately feel the positive energy, from the team and patrons alike. The considered design of this sociable wine-bar space, at entrance level, combines a central island perfect for a casual bite and a catch-up with friends, window seats and high stools to sip a coffee and watch the world go by, an open kitchen area where the culinary magic happens and a small deli/ come bottle shop for those that want a taste of Italy at home.

Image Credit: Tina Leahy

We then meet James, who escorts us to our table on the lower floor, which unfolds to be the main restaurant area. It’s relatively early on a dreich Wednesday evening yet inside the atmosphere inside couldn’t be cheerier, nearly every table is occupied – and by the time we leave there is a full house. I’m glad we reserved a table in advance.

The Concept

I recognise James from his time as a sommelier in some other excellent Edinburgh restaurants, but Sotto is his first independent venture which he has clearly put his heart and soul into. Teaming up with Calabrian head chef Francesco Ascrizzi he’s created an authentic and quality Italian experience in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere where morning coffees are served through to dinner and drinks late into the evening (Weds to Sunday).

There will also be wine-tasting evenings in the wine bar area and there is a private dining room that seats up to eight guests.

The décor and fit-out is stylish without being formal and combines marble tables, deep green banquettes, wooden panelling and a cork ceiling for a warm, inviting and relaxed space. We also love the extra touches of Italy, for example Italian wine crates for the hand-towels in the wash-rooms, and Italian inspired artworks.

The Menu

The menu uses British and Italian ingredients that suit a classical Italian cookery style with dishes changing regularly to celebrate the diversity of Italy’s culinary regions. And quality over quantity prevails (in terms of choice that is!) with three or four menu options listed for each phase of the culinary journey….

We nibbled on the focaccia with Ndjua butter whilst we perused the rest of the menu, however I could have quite easily tucked into every one of the ‘snack’ options. The warm, soft – almost bouncy – focaccia with the creamy-with-a -kick butter was so delicious we fought over the last slice and had to order a second round. Meanwhile James patiently talked us through the menu (and I observed he did this with every table of diners) and we decided upon our starters:

Beef Carpaccio which comprised of succulent paper-thin slices of Aberdeen Angus which was accompanied by bold and nutty flakes of parmesan cheese which are perfectly complemented by the crunch of the Pane Carasau.

Pumpkin and sage fritters, which had a nice crisp bite followed by soft slightly sweet filling accentuated by the creamy ricotta and sharp zing of lemon zest.

We were off to a flying start!

The wine list encompasses over 200 wines from Italy (there are a couple of outsiders in the mix too) so we told James what we like and he recommended a crisp organic white and a full bodied red – both of which were extremely palatable and compliment our menu selections.  

Our ‘Primi’ dishes take the form of Tagliatelle al Fungi Porcini. The porcini mushrooms are plump and flavoursome and the ribbons of pasta are tender to the bite with a generous dusting of pangratatto to add texture. I’ve got to be in the mood for pasta and this did not disappoint – although I did have food envy as for some reason I overlooked the fish of the day dish which was tuna and I noticed some fellow diners enjoying this – it looked superb. We also ordered the Orechiette Salsiccia – these little ‘ear’ shaped pieces of pasta are served in cimi di rape (an Italian broccoli like vegetable) pesto with spicy sausage which was rich, substantial and full of flavour. The Chef was super accommodating and whipped up my nine-year old son, ‘the best ever’ carbonara. 

Greed and curiosity took over and despite being more than satisfied with the two courses we’d already enjoyed we couldn’t resist dabbling with dessert.

Brioche and gelato – what’s not to love about an ice-cream sandwiched within a sweet and freshly baked brioche bun. Pistachio and chocolate were the flavours of choice whilst I opted for the Sotto take on Tiramisu…..lashings of mascarpone dowsed in a sweet and thick coffee reduction with crunchy coffee shortbread. I should have stopped after a few spoonfuls but before I knew it my dish was empty…..well it would have been rude not too!

Final Thoughts

Service, atmosphere, the knowledgeable and helpful team and of course the food is superb. Ten out of ten for everything!

We wish Sotto every success and we’ll most definitely be back again soon.